Cracker by Damian Christie

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Cracker: Gimme Shelter

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  • harrybast, in reply to Russell Brown,

    Airbourne was one of the highlights of my Big Day Out....in all my life of seeing thousands of bands I have never ever laughed so hard as I did at those guys.My eyes were wet and my clothes covered in grass from rolling around cracking up to that song about pussy called "Diamond in the Rough"....it truly was one of the best comedy shows I have ever seen and to think they are serious just makes me laugh even more......Spinal Tap eat yr heart out...

    Auckland • Since Jan 2011 • 2 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to harrybast,

    it truly was one of the best comedy shows I have ever seen and to think they are serious just makes me laugh even more……Spinal Tap eat yr heart out…

    Actually, yes -- that's the other valid way of looking at them :-)

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Rageaholic,

    *Disclaimer: I did not go into any of the licensed areas since I couldn’t be bothered queuing for a beer in what was decidedly not beer weather, and as a smoker I kept my distance from the security staff (they should have a designated smoking area for an event that goes on all day). This lack of contact with BDO staff possibly contributed to my lack of negative experiences with them.

    I don’t think it was widespread – and certainly not amongst festival staff in general – but the three assaults by security staff noted in the post and discussion are three too many. The promoters will want to have a serious word with the security firm.

    By contrast, the cops were appropriately low-key. They must have been able to smell joints being smoked as they walked the stadium floor, but they knew that wasn’t their issue for the day. People seemed comfortable approaching and speaking to them, which I think is a really good thing.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Ana Simkiss,

    Aw Damian that sucks, it only takes a bit of aggro like that to ruin the whole day (trust that it didn't though). I had no trouble of that kind though as a rule it's probably more likely to happen to blokes.

    Just to contrast, I'm mostly positive about the BDO experience this year. The new tent/Boiler Room is MUCH better (air!), I'm pretty positive the sound system has been similarly upgraded as the quality of sound seems to be mostly good wherever you happen to be. LCD Soundsystem were my total highlight and since I didn't give much of a shit about any of the other acts I was free to wander and people watch and take in a few minutes of this and that. Plan B was an awesome surprise, and did anyone else see the balloonatic at Lilyworld?

    Freemans Bay • Since Nov 2006 • 141 posts Report Reply

  • andrew r,

    Actually think the best thing about the immortals area is you can escape for a while and have a drink in s pleasant space -cause if you ain't on any other rec drug and you do feel like a few drinks, then the pen option in the stadium really is very very hideous. Why do all the Brit festivals do this so much better? I recall the first bdo where you could grab a drink and take it anywhere and it was fine . Wouldn't it be amazing if the promoters actually scouted around for a nicer venue full stop. I mean why not?

    auckland • Since May 2007 • 100 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Ana Simkiss,

    Just to contrast, I’m mostly positive about the BDO experience this year. The new tent/Boiler Room is MUCH better (air!), I’m pretty positive the sound system has been similarly upgraded as the quality of sound seems to be mostly good wherever you happen to be.

    Yes, I thought the production was up a notch this year. Although early on we did manage to find a spot (the grassy knoll near the bFM tent) where you could hear three stages at roughly equal volume, which was trying. But that’s the kind of thing you put up with.

    The non-sellout crowd made things easier this year – and I was relieved the rain didn’t turn the tent into a nasty crush, even after Tool finished.

    LCD Soundsystem were my total highlight

    Yes. To me, they're what modern music sounds like. Damn shame this is their last tour.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Chip Matthews,

    I had an easier time with security this year than last. Was a bit peeved when they took m'erb last year and it tainted my day until performance time.

    This year, the entrance into the stadium was an easier process for me and thus my day was started on a better foot than previously. But some of those security guards seem to bring an extra bit of attitude to an extra big event. Perhaps their own version of stage fright?

    I was glad to see that Venue Security were looking after the immortals lounge as having worked with them on the winery tours and through catching up with them at the Powerstation, I have complete faith in them as security providers.

    Highlights for me: playing at another BDO (go the HomeBrew crew), seeing Black Milk and especially his drummer Daru Jones. Seeing Grinderman's amazing drummer, catching some of Billy TK Snr.

    Lowlights: Rain

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 46 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to andrew r,

    Actually think the best thing about the immortals area is you can escape for a while and have a drink in s pleasant space.

    I’ve talked to the local promoters and they sell or give away as many “pleasant space” tickets as they’re allowed to, which isn’t many. Also, the Australian promoters aren’t keen on exclusive spaces.

    I recall the first bdo where you could grab a drink and take it anywhere and it was fine .

    I recall pissed punters being a bit of a problem, but yeah, perhaps they could open up more grandstand space for bar use. But I can understand why they don’t. More booze = more problems for them.

    Wouldn’t it be amazing if the promoters actually scouted around for a nicer venue full stop. I mean why not?

    Did a story on this a while back. Basically, there really isn’t anywhere else suitable. And even if there was, the business case for a recurring festival like the BDO is that everyone knows the drill every year. There really is a manual for the show. That changes if the venue changes.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    Some videos from Friday:

    Street Chant doing an unplugged 'Stoned Again' for Sir Vere and Balcony TV.

    Rammstein. You know, if I'd been trapped in the stadium, I'd have been okay with this:

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Ana Simkiss,

    I get the whole booze = problems, but I've attended one day festivals in other countries where no rules about where you can drink are applied. I think its much more civilised, and does not encourage people to neck their drinks every time they want to go somewhere else (i.e. to see a band like?)

    Let's see how Laneways goes - I gather they have dispensed with caging adult punters who wish to imbibe.

    Freemans Bay • Since Nov 2006 • 141 posts Report Reply

  • Blake Monkley,

    Damn shame this is their last tour.

    Bummer as they are absolutely at the top of their game. Epic set and the absolute highlight band for me at the BDO..... particularly the majestic finale.

    I was also impressed with how clean and tidy the immortals lounge is from early BDO years that I attended. Nice range of beers, wine and food.

    Auckland • Since Jul 2008 • 215 posts Report Reply

  • Jonathan Ganley,

    Then Iggy and the Stooges, who also weren’t quite as good as last time – which may simply be because I will always prefer the Ron Asheton Stooges to the James Williamson Stooges. ‘Shake Appeal’ (with a stage full of dancers from the crowd) and ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’ were especially good.

    From where this soaked punter was standing, 'Raw Power' and 'Search & Destroy' alone were almost worth the price of admission. But yeah, nothing will match those first few seconds of Ron Asheton cranking out the intro to 'Loose' in 2006. A transcendent moment.

    Since Dec 2006 • 234 posts Report Reply

  • Jacqui Dunn, in reply to Russell Brown,

    maginificent

    Wizard?

    Deepest, darkest Avondale… • Since Jul 2010 • 585 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    This is how it is for the kids: half an hour from early to late by Daniel Palenski:

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Simon Grigg,

    I wasn't there yesterday for obvious reasons but this review of the mighty Kill City in the Herald simply sucked eggs:

    it's Pop caught between New York Dolls and Rolling Stones rawk and enough saxaphone to sink the Love Boat.

    Just another klong... • Since Nov 2006 • 3284 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    A remarkably good montage of Primal Scream's set:

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • vangam,

    Security are the party-poopers no matter where you go. Even at something as sedentary as the Winery Tour there is overkill on the security - I look at all of them standing around watching us and I can immediately see where most of my ticket price has gone.

    Rangiora • Since Jun 2007 • 103 posts Report Reply

  • Chip Matthews, in reply to vangam,

    Having being involved in around 35 winery shows I have a somewhat opposite view of the need for such security.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 46 posts Report Reply

  • vangam, in reply to Chip Matthews,

    Are you telling me that trouble with a big 'T' is just beneath the surface at these events? Coz if that is the case then I can only conclude a north island gig draws a different crowd from the ones I have been to - christ, even my sister goes to these things and she is as straight-laced as they come. They're all a bunch of middle-aged men and women out for a pleasant evening. Hardly a formidable crowd in terms of security needs, I would've thought.

    Rangiora • Since Jun 2007 • 103 posts Report Reply

  • Mark Thomas, in reply to harrybast,

    Did you see Die Antwoord in the boiler room? That was hilarious.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 317 posts Report Reply

  • Ian Dalziel,

    I’m a bit surprised by this. But if you’re sure that’s wise, then who I am to contradict.

    If it happened, then it's fine to report that it happened.

    But surely these are Celebrity Bars and should have name supression!
    ;- )

    Christchurch • Since Dec 2006 • 7953 posts Report Reply

  • Andrew C,

    It does irritate me a bit the way they’re going with the gate searches – going through every tiny pocket in a woman’s bag, tipping out some guy’s whole packet of tobacco looking for joints.

    This year was the most thorough search I have ever experienced at the BDO. They went through everything I had, even down to feeling the hem line in my jumper, lifting up the band in my cap, super close look for broken seal on my water bottle, etc, basically breaking down everying I had brought in.

    I have to take a collection of syringes and blood testing equipment with me (type 1 diabetic) in a smallish bag within my main backpack. As the search was progressing I didn't fancy dealing with this so simply plucked the bag out from my backpack during the middle of this supa-search and held on to it. The lady didnt even seem to notice (or care), and never checked this small bag. Odd...

    Auckland • Since May 2008 • 169 posts Report Reply

  • danielpresling, in reply to Ana Simkiss,

    I wasn't there but I also wonder if it's wise selling beers at $20 for 4 as the only option as they have done at most/all previous BDOs and other gig's I've been to at Mt Smart? NZ is funny in this regard - we hate booze filled arseholes being dicks but we won't sell them anything less than a tanker load of beer at a time.

    I guess it's all about efficiency - both in terms of getting people wasted fast and being able to serve everybody in a timely manner. I suspect there's a better way to handle booze at these events. If I found a tent that was relatively empty and only selling wine and cider I'd probably accept cider as a viable substitute for a beer or 4.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 6 posts Report Reply

  • Mark Easterbrook,

    Saw you there enjoying your LCD Soundsystem, Russell. My highlight as well.

    For my 2 cents worth: I came away feeling like the crowd were very happy, relaxed, and friendly this year, and on their best behaviour.

    I didn't see anything on a par with what you saw Damian, but I got a sense that the Security folks this year were a bit less easy going than in previous years. I've done their job - and you can by large and authoritative without being a dick and spoiling people's fun. Surprise surprise: people are more co-operative when you use your manners.

    Hero of the day: the guy from one of the food vendor caravans distributing flattened cardboard boxes as makeshift umbrellas, when he could have just gone inside and ignored everyone.

    Villains of the day: Taxi drivers. It was pouring with rain, people were getting desperate, yet I saw at least a dozen drive off after being hailed, because fares weren't going to be big enough. I experienced it myself, twice, before actually leaning so far into a taxi window that the driver couldn't pull away. Poor. If they behave like that when the RWC rolls around...sheesh.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 265 posts Report Reply

  • recordari, in reply to danielpresling,

    wise selling beers at $20 for 4 as the only option

    It wasn't the only option. I bought only two. No one seemed to mind. And when I bought only one light beer later, that wasn't a problem either.

    Didn't see anyone force feeding 'booze filled arseholes' with drink. There is a degree of individual responsibility involved here too, no?

    Just sayin'.

    AUCKLAND • Since Dec 2009 • 2607 posts Report Reply

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